Dear Shalimar Supporters,

Since I last communicated, the developer has submitted a formal proposal for high-density construction on the Shalimar Golf Course property. The proposed design has not changed much from what we have previously seen in the preliminary plan. The build-out still calls for 277 units: 68 single-family detached for sale homes, 43 single-family detached for rent homes and 166 single-family attached for rent 2 and 3-story townhomes.

A few comments regarding the latest submittal:

As I have pledged to the mayor and council and all stakeholders, we intend to run a non-adversarial, non-confrontational, open and honest campaign that ultimately is looking to accomplish a win-win resolution that treats all concerned parties with dignity and respect, and that results in mutual gains for all. Of course, this is contingent on honest and fair dealing by all stakeholders.

I pulled the following statement from ‘The Letter of Explanation’ filed with the most recent developer submission:

“The design of this new community was specifically intended to help preserve and enhance the surrounding Shalimar community. After discussions with the community and members of the Shalimar Association, the design team deliberately tried to match the existing residential and the new residential”.

This statement is very misleading, and it’s not the only inaccurate talking point I have read regarding the development. Statements of this kind cannot go unchallenged. Having heard from many in the community, I need to address this directly.

The developer’s proposal does not reflect the beliefs or inputs of the Shalimar Association, the surrounding neighborhood, or the larger population outside of Shalimar. You need go no further than our opposition petition participation to clearly see the lack of truth in the above statement.

Let me be clear: This is far from a done deal. The developer must complete requirements of a formal submittal, including a neighborhood meeting with city officials present. The City of Tempe Planning and Development team must provide a recommendation on the proposal, and there may be changes required. The proposal then would move to the city’s Development Review Council (DRC). Following review and commentary, the DRC will provide a recommendation to the city council. The last hurdle, and probably the most significant, are two public meetings which include a review and formal vote by the mayor and city council. Because this is a zoning change request, a ‘super majority’ vote will be required of the council in order for passage of the proposal.

The golf course is currently scheduled to close in early April 2025. Residents and golfers alike have questions about what this might mean for the property status. It is important for the entire community to understand that when and if golf course operations shut down, this DOES NOT mean rezoning is approved.

It has always been an option for the property owners to shut down operations. This in no way, enables approval for rezoning and high-density construction. Closing of golf course operations would be a very sad milestone for all of us, but this is something we all should expect and prepare for. The Shalimar Association is actively preparing for this interim period.

Change is, of course, inevitable. The golf course and the Shalimar community are in a period of transition. We believe strongly that something new and better is on the horizon.

I have met with many interested parties, including the developers, and this is what I have said: The solution we are working toward includes the golf course. I have mentioned previously that other parties are interested in being part of a solution. I want to emphasize that several other interested organizations have reached out regarding the golf course.

We continue to make great progress on our petition signature gathering. We have supporters from all over the city. I want to thank everyone for taking the time to sign the petition and show their opposition to rezoning. We are also receiving donations for the campaign. Thank you to all who have been generous in contributing to our campaign.

As we continue our determined effort to drive a win-win solution, the Shalimar Association has retained legal representation. This is necessary in order to properly respond to issues or concerns involving zoning, personal property and related city, state and federal laws and regulations.

As a result of this engagement, the Shalimar Association will be holding several fundraising events in the coming weeks/months to pay for legal representation, subject matter experts, and associated services. Our intention is to make all fundraising events fun, with an emphasis on fostering a sense of belonging, support, and connection in the community. Please expect to see communication on events via email and our social media sites.

Finally, the annual meeting of the Shalimar Association is Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Click here to review the slate of recommended candidates. New board members will be elected during the business meeting from 5pm-6pm. From 6pm-7pm, a full campaign update will be provided with time to answer questions.

I am looking forward to seeing all of you at our meeting on:

Wednesday, November 13, 2024
The Church of the Epiphany
2222 S Price Rd, Tempe, AZ 85282
5:00pm: Annual Business Meeting/Board Elections (voting members)
6:00pm: Save Shalimar Campaign Update (open to the entire community)

Regards,
Carl Streiff
President, Shalimar Association